Fast Forward and Salesforce Partner to Back AI-Powered Nonprofits

Fast Forward and Salesforce joined forces to support AI-powered nonprofits solving some of the world’s most urgent challenges. With Salesforce’s backing, Fast Forward expanded its programs, offered nonprofit builders critical resources, and spotlighted the work of diverse founders transforming their communities.

At the heart of this collaboration is AI for Humanity. This initiative empowers nonprofits that use AI to build a better future. These AI-powered nonprofits are advancing climate action and innovating in education — reaching people and solving problems faster than ever before. “Salesforce is proud to champion AI for Humanity and support the incredible tech nonprofit leaders using AI to drive social good,” says Natrina Gandana, senior manager of philanthropy at Salesforce. “These organizations are proof that when technology and purpose come together, the results are transformative.”

Building AI for Good

Salesforce supports Fast Forward’s efforts to help builders access the tools and knowledge needed to deploy AI responsibly and effectively.

Highlights include:

• The AI for Humanity newsletter, which now reaches thousands of subscribers, spotlighting the stories and insights shaping AI for good.
• Our first-ever AI Impact Vertical focused on uplifting tech nonprofits in the climate, education, or workforce development spaces, leveraging AI to accelerate their missions.
• An actionable AI Playbook offering guidance on how nonprofits can harness AI.
• Roundtables connecting nonprofit leaders with AI education and support — like AI ethics and prompt writing best practices.
• A comprehensive Resource Hub for AI-powered nonprofits.
• An AI for Humanity Speaker Bureau, showcasing leaders using AI for social impact and amplifying their voices to inspire action.

Here are some of the nonprofits driving change with Salesforce’s support:

• Darsel: Uses AI-powered chatbots to deliver personalized, curriculum-aligned math lessons to students in low-bandwidth areas. Watch Darsel’s Demo Day pitch.
• Empowr: Leverages AI to teach low-income students software development skills, preparing them for high-paying tech careers and entrepreneurial success. Watch Empowr’s Demo Day pitch.
• Farmers for Forests (F4F): Utilizes AI to monitor forests, measure carbon sequestration, and support sustainable farming practices in rural Indian communities. Watch Farmers for Forests’ Demo Day pitch.
• Learning Equality: Builds offline-first AI edtech tools that deliver tailored educational content to underserved learners without reliable internet access. Read founder Jamie Alexandre’s story.
• UPchieve: Offers free, unlimited academic and college counseling support through both human and AI tutors that help students tackle everything from essays to algebra. Watch UPchieve’s Demo Day pitch.
• Uprooted Academy: Applies AI to connect first-gen, low-income students of color with career and college opportunities that support upward mobility. Read founder Tiffany Green’s story.

“With Salesforce’s investment, AI for Humanity is enabling nonprofits to tackle issues in bold and innovative ways,” says Kevin Barenblat, co-founder of Fast Forward. “This partnership is equipping diverse entrepreneurs with the tools they need to transform their ideas into real-world impact. One year in, we are meaningfully accomplishing just that.”

Looking Forward

As our partnership enters its second year, the focus remains on empowering tech nonprofit leaders with the resources, connections, and knowledge they need to grow their impact.

Want to learn more about how AI-powered nonprofits are advancing climate action? Check out this Stanford Social Innovation Review article co-authored by Fast Forward’s Kevin Barenblat and Salesforce’s Naomi Morenzoni.

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